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Shun vindictive politics for democracy

Speakers say at seminar

Staff Correspondent
Democracy is not possible without democratic culture, and political parties are mainly responsible for practising this culture, said the speakers at a seminar yesterday.
The national seminar titled 'Democratic transformation in Bangladesh: Opportunities and challenges' was organised by Bangladesh Perspective Research Foundation at the Cirdap auditorium in the city.
Mentioning about the weakness of political culture in the country, the speakers laid emphasis on refraining from the practice of vindictive politics.
They said they should not behave in such a way so that any unconstitutional body should get a chance to interfere in the politics of the country.
They also called for establishing a national security council (NSC) in the light of the constitution.
Dr Ataur Rahman, professor of the political science department of Dhaka University, presented a keynote paper on democratic transformation in Bangladesh where he mentioned the opportunities and challenges facing the country.
He suggested for reforms in political parties, structural changes in government bodies and stabilis-
ing civil-military relations for strengthening democracy.
OProf Hasan Mohammad and Prof Tarek Shamsur Rehman also presented papers.
While reviewing the papers, Prof Dilara Chowdhury of Jahangirnagar University said the political parties had indulged in widespread corruptions and if elections were held on January 22 of 2007, there would have been violent consequences in the country.
“Without democratic culture, democracy is not possible and this responsibility goes to the political parties," she added.
Awami League Presidium Member Suranjit Sengupta called for activating the parliamentary democracy.
Citing examples of England, Australia, New Zealand and India, he said heated debate takes place in those countries before passing any law, but this process is completely absent in the parliamentary culturt of Bangladesh.
“We want the best democracy but we do not want to give the time needed for the best democracy like other developed countries," said Joint Secretary General of BNP Nazrul Islam Khan.
He urged the politicians to criticise themselves more instead of criticising others.
The politicians should say what (hey would be able (o do, and no( more (han (hat because it creates disliking among (he people about the politicians, he added.
Rashed Khan Menon, president of the Workers' Party of Bangladesh, opposed the suggestion for stabilising civil-military relation and said, “Military is already a part of our society. So the question of strengthening civil -military relation is irrelevant."
He also opposed holding of national election under emergency because, what he said, the situation which required emergency for conducting an election does not exist now.
Former state minister for foreign affairs Abul Hossain Chowdhury called for holding upazila parishad election as early as possible so that democracy can start from there.
The political leaders also urged the authorities concerned to declare the date of the national election immediately.
Foundation Chairperson Dr Mahbubullah chaired die seminar which was conducted by its Chief Executive Sajjad Hossain.
Columnist Sadek Khan, Jaglul Ahmed Chowdhury of BSS and The New Nation Editor Mostofa Kamal Mojumder were present on the occasion.